The world through their eyes… or lens!

Children’s eyes see the world differently to adults. Literally - because they’re much smaller than us! - but also figuratively, because the things we might dismiss as unimportant or not notice at all, often stand out to inquisitive little eyes.

Now I’m sure we all have hundreds of photos of our little ones, but have you ever given your child a chance to be the photographer for a change? Give it a go - the process is fun and the results can range from hilarious to beautiful!

Here are 4 reasons to get your child behind the lens 

a favourite toy captured by little hands, eyes and mind!

Stay present

In this world of smart phone and social media, taking and sharing photos is a huge part of our lives. Some people find that their phone gets in the way of being fully present with their children and really ‘in the moment’ or soaking up their surrounds, but there is no doubting the joy that comes with looking back on old photos or sharing snapshots of special moments with loved ones. One way to find balance in documenting special memories while remaining present is to give your child the camera. Of course you won’t end up with the perfect, posed photos you might be used to but seeing the world through the eyes of your child is a whole different kind of perfect.

Let them be creative

Raising creative children doesn’t just mean paint pots and craft days! Photography is a creative outlet that children and adults alike can enjoy and benefit from. Choosing a subject, playing around with lighting and adjusting angles are all part of the process in which children can express themselves, observe and learn as they go. Who says a blurry photo of clouds taken from inside the car isn’t art!?

Share it

As adults we love to take photos of things that interest us, sometimes just for ourselves, but often to share with others. Offer your child the chance to share his or her interests with friends and family by allowing them access to a camera. Children are very visual, so it can often be hard for them to recall details of something without a visual prompt. That’s why when you ask what they did at school or kinder they usually can’t tell you! Photos can aid this a lot. This way when someone asks what they did on the weekend, or where they spent the school holidays, they can say - “Here! I’ll show you!”.

Be in it!

Do you ever look back on photos of a family holiday, birthday celebration or trip to the beach and realise you’ve taken a bunch but you’re not in any of them!? I understand that this is not accidental for many of us, but think about how much we just LOVE our children’s faces.. they feel the same way about ours! They don’t mind if your eyes are puffy or your hair is a mess. So once you’ve got the cute shot of them smiling widely and having fun, allow them to take one of you doing the same. Even if all they manage to capture is a double chin or eyes-half-shut shot that is out of focus, the laughter that follows is a memory you’ll want to keep!

A lot to learn

While they learn to use a camera, or take photos on a smart phone, children are learning many things and honing many skills. Gross motor skills to keep their little hands steady, fine motor skills to press the button justtt at the right time, cognitive skills to bring it all together. And of course, patience when they’ve taken 15 blurry shots and just want one to turn out how they imagined. Learning as they go, getting a little “better” (I use that word so loosely because NOTHING a child does is ever not good enough! But it can feel that way for them, depending on their personality) each time.

a grassy reflection

You may be wondering what sort of camera is best for children. Honestly, it doesn’t matter. A phone, tablet, digital camera, polaroid camera or cheap disposable camera will work just fine for the purpose of allowing your child to capture memories, document what interests them and express their creativity. If your child takes a particular liking to photography you might like to invest in one designed specifically for children but I certainly don't see it as a necessity for starting out.

If you have some cool, funny or creative pictures your child has taken I’d love to see, please share them in the comments! And keep an eye out for my next blog with some more tips and ideas for kids and cameras.